Given all the injuries to those selected, it’s starting to look like MLB should have an All-Star game solely featuring hurt players.
After Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera announced Thursday that he would miss the Midsummer Classic, teammates Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez said Friday that they would also be missing the All-Star Game.
Rivera has arguably been the best closer in the game this season, compiling 21 saves to go along with a 1.91 ERA. Rivera has been suffering from inflammation of his right triceps and decided the rest would do him well. He will be replaced by Angels closer Jordan Walden who has 19 saves and a 2.95 ERA.
ESPN.com reports that third baseman Alex Rodriguez will miss the game due to an injured right knee, and manager Joe Girardi also said the All-Star will undergo a precautionary MRI. Rodriguez, batting .295 with 13 home runs and 52 RBI, should be replaced in the starting lineup by former Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre. Current Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is a good bet to replace A-Rod on the roster.
Jeter, who some felt shouldn't have been selected to the game in the first place, will be missing the game to prevent further injury to his right calf. Jeter, batting only .257 this season, should be replaced on the roster by either Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta (.310, 14 home runs, 49 RBIs) or Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (.278, 3 home runs, 31 RBIs, 25 stolen bases).
Across baseball, Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino pulled out of the game after being placed on the DL with a sprained thumb. Victorino was named an All-Star via MLB's Final Vote. Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier, the NL runner-up in the contest, will be replacing the speedy outfielder. NL All-Stars Jose Reyes, Troy Tulowitzki and Ryan Braun are also reportedly banged up, yet as of Friday, none have pulled out of the game.
Both teams will be expected to replace numerous players this weekend, considering the rule that pitchers who start on the Sunday before the All-Star game are ineligible to pitch in the Classic. AL All-Star pitchers Justin Verlander, James Shields, and Felix Hernandez are all scheduled to pitch. In the NL, Cole Hamels and Matt Cain are set to throw Sunday.
